EC Expands Probe of High-Definition DVD Formats

BRUSSELS, July 3: The European Commission is seeking
information from the Hollywood studios as part of an informal probe into
whether the two competing high-definition DVD formats, Blu-ray and HD DVD,
engaged in anti-competitive behavior, according to wire reports.

Sony, Disney and News Corp. are all releasing titles on the
Blu-ray format, as are Lionsgate and MGM, while Universal has opted for
Toshiba’s HD DVD standard. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures are releasing
DVDs on both formats.

According to reports, the Commission is looking for
information from the studios on how they chose the format for their releases. "We
have sent a request for information to a number of studios concerning possible
discrimination against one or other DVD format," Commission spokesman
Jonathan Todd is quoted as saying. "We're at the stage of basic
fact-finding. We have not opened a formal investigation."

The Wall Street Journal
reports that the Commission is particularly interested in Blu-ray, and is
investigating if improper tactics were used to encourage the studios to opt for
that format.

The latest information request from the studios follows
letters sent by the Commission to Blu-ray and HD DVD requesting details on their
licensing strategies.